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An organization\u2019s IT environment is an ever-changing place. Software programs and hardware assets both change. So do configuration files and other important assets. Most of these are authorized changes \u2013 they\u2019ll occur when files are being patched, for example. But unexpected changes are cause for concern. That\u2019s where file integrity monitoring comes in.<\/p>\n
File integrity monitoring, or FIM, is about more than knowing what\u2019s going on with your system. It\u2019s about keeping personal data safe and avoiding an attack while also complying with regulations. Let\u2019s discuss what FIM is, why you need it and how it works.<\/p>\n
File integrity monitoring gives you file-level visibility into what\u2019s important for your organization. That includes: <\/p>\n
Then, FIM lets you know who is editing, deleting or moving the files, and who has unauthorized access to those files. <\/p>\n
There are regulatory standards that require companies to know who has access to critical files and which changes occurred. FIM is mandated for companies that have to abide by compliance regulations like NERC CIP, NIST CSF and PCI DSS, among others. While FIM isn\u2019t specifically required for GDPR and HIPAA, it can be helpful during audits. That type of visibility into assets is important for those two regulations \u2013 so in those cases, FIM definitely won\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n
When an unauthorized or harmful user has access to your network, they can change anything they want. They can also delete the event logs to avoid detection. Here\u2019s the worst-case scenario: A FIM alert goes off because someone has gained internal access to your network and is tampering with your files. The attacker can scan your network to find other assets and compromise them, pose as an employee, steal credentials, etc. If someone gains access to your system, they can do whatever they want \u2013 until they\u2019re caught, at least.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the software you choose, FIM essentially works like this:<\/p>\n
Implementing FIM with WordPress goes beyond finding a tool that will alert you when there\u2019s a file change. FIM is best used along with other security measures, like audit logging and user monitoring. Your security tool should have layered detection, including compliance regulations and proactive detection. You need to detect other actions earlier in the attack so that you can stop them ASAP. <\/p>\n
Rapid7<\/a><\/strong> is a cloud-based file event tracking system. You choose which assets to monitor, and then the software watches for file modifications and who made them. You\u2019ll get an alert if a critical file or folder is deleted, edited or moved. You can also view real-time metrics if you want to keep an eye on activity in-the-moment. On top of the FIM alert, you\u2019ll be able to see all of the other movement that happened around it so that you can investigate and respond to the attack, and you can export modification activity as a dashboard chart. Learn more about the Rapid7 WordPress extension here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Qualys<\/a><\/strong> is another FIM tool that you can use for WordPress. While you\u2019re figuring out the scope of what to monitor, Qualys\u2019 out-of-the-box profiles mean you can get up and running right away, then tweak the scope as you learn more about your needs. The cloud platform also has real-time change detection. When a file changes, the data collected includes the user, the file name, asset details and a timestamp. Plus, you can scale up without having to buy more software or storage. <\/p>\n Other highly rated FIM tools include OSSEC<\/a> and Tripwire<\/a>. We also have a list of the six best WordPress security plugins<\/a> you can install right now in case you want to pair one of them with your FIM solution.<\/p>\n If your company has to comply with regulations like FISMA, SOX, or a host of others that require FIM, then you definitely need a file integrity monitoring tool. Not only will it keep your customers, data, files and system safe, but it will also keep your company in good standing during an audit.<\/p>\n The main thing to avoid is a trap that many companies fall into: too much noise. If there are too many files under watch, that will result in an overabundance of FIM alerts. And if alerts come in without any context, it\u2019s impossible to determine what is and is not a threat. An efficient FIM solution will monitor only necessary files and folders, then provide alerts with helpful insight. <\/p>\n Lastly, remember these two FIM best practices. Be precise about what files are going to be monitored. If monitoring is too broad, you can get overwhelmed with alerts and activity when anything is modified. Then, take action by investigating a FIM alert. It\u2019s important to know if other users or assets were affected. Some stand-alone tools don\u2019t offer this much context. You need a log management tool or investigation platform that can help in your investigation.<\/p>\n Do you use a FIM solution that you suggest? Tell us about it!<\/p>\n \n<\/div>\nFinal Thoughts About File Integrity Monitoring<\/h2>\n